Relational compensation - a return which is not seen

There are a variety of returns employees may receive from the employer. But many know only the base salary - a main offer that often dominates selection.

It is historical that employees' costs were decided on base pay and that there was no room for discussing employee's benefits. Because labourers were available in plenty at lower pay.

It is true that the bottom rung workers are unaware of total returns - a compensation that they are supposed to receive for their work! Despite the direct payment like basic salary, merit pay, cost of living allowances and bonuses, they hardly know about relational compensation - a return often becomes a dream in the Gulf's management hierarchies.

Relational compensation is nothing but recognition, status, employment security, training and challenging work. For instance, employment security - a benefit that's hardly seen in some companies.

Employees say that globalisation is a barrier to career growth and IT is the main culprit that damaged a stable working environment. Is it true? Technology is not stopping you to provide congenial working life. It is a matter of our behaviour and our treatment that alters the employment pattern.

Our thinking is centred around short-term gain. Politically, we are all talking about equal opportunities. Good, at least we have some social conscious.

But do we cry for corporate damage? Do we care for our workers? Do we follow business ethics? Are we providing health protection to our employees? Are we giving our profit share? Do we guarantee stable employment? Do we employ the right people? Do we follow equal employment opportunities?

Challenging work - another aspect of relational reward - has to be developed for all levels of employees. We should not think that only managers must have work challenge.

It is the style of top management to make every one must be initiative and innovative. When we grant a kind of freedom of thinking to people, they will certainly lead the organization.

Unfortunately the hierarchy, nationality, grade and salary level has created a gap and kills creativity in the organization. Employees have to be respected for accountability and their performance.

In one private company, the chief executive, who is also the owner of the company, is only having challenges in his job. Because, the others are only his employees. They were given salary to carry out his instructions!

Pon Mohaideen Pitchai is a Dubai-based HRD consultant.